Wicked- British or American accent?

[Bob30]

I know that a lot of you hate wicked but don't turn this into a battle against the fans and the haters, for those of you who have seen the show (Broadway or west end) which accent do you think is better?

I have only een the London production but i prefer the sounds of the lyrics and they feel more emotional with a clipped British accent, but i am only comparing this to the Cast Recording from across the pond.

What are your thoughts on the different accents?

[songanddanceman2]

It would be better if they did it in silence and as a mime (sorry, i could not resist)

[mallardo]

I don't think it matters but, personally, I think it's written with an American accent. All of the college stuff is very American - everything is very American including all of its source material.

[bob8rich]

I agree totally with mallardo. One of the reasons why I preferred the show in New York.

Oh, and SADM - you should get a slap LOL.

[Nickhutson]

Yes - I agree.. The script is very American; words like "class" (we'd say lecture) for example.

[rockyhorrorfan]

One of my biggest problems with the show when I saw it in London was the mix of accents. Adam Garcia used his Australian accent. Nigel Planer had an American accent. Boq was Scottish. Glinda was Australian too. Elphaba was English.

Someone tried to excuse it by saying that because it's set in a fictional land the mix of accents didn't matter but I found it very jarring on the ear.

It's not the only reason I hate the show but it certainly spoiled a lot of it when I saw it.

[Nickhutson]

When I saw it originally in London

Glinda was Australian (but doing a British accent)
Elphaba was American (Idina)
Boq was Scottish
Wizard was American (as he's meant to be a parody of Bush - that's how it should be)
All speaking ensemble were British
Fiyero was played by an Australian (but doing a British accent)

[rjm516]

I saw the NYC production with Idina, and I just saw the London show last week or so. I loveeed it on Bway, yet something over in London didn't work. It felt like it wasn't paced well or acted well (or often sung well). I don't think it had to do with accents.

[rougeduck]

I love the sound of any fairy tale musical in a british accent.

[everythingtaboo]

I've not seen it London, but I think it would be fun to hear the mix of accents. Of course The Wizard should have an American accent, but otherwise why not mix it up, so as it doesn't interfere with comprehension or pacing. Maybe if they lightened up their accents if they weren't so heavy?

[iMartynn]

I much prefer Glinda being English, but Elphaba being American!

[defyinggravity42694]

When Kerry was over on Broadway, I was quite annoyed she was doing an American accent (from what I've been told, she opted to do that, but could've kept her accent). I think Elphaba having a different accent makes her even more of an outsider.

That said, I prefer Wicked in a British accent for comical reason... I feel the jokes land a lot better, but that could just be because I prefer British humo(u)r.

[songanddanceman2]

hahaha Owen, i pity you so much.......oh and have reported you, i think it's safe to say that you have got on my last Carrie loving nerve.

And wait, because i don't let Wicked..... that's right WICKED! yet like Carrie that means i have no taste? you have based that on TWO SHOWS?

And yes Owen, my 'bad taste' in theatre is translating in to my work and i am bit by bit bringing the theatre world to it's knees through my work.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Shame on you SADM2!

[songanddanceman2]

I know right? lol